Dejan Stankovic warns Milan that being the derby favourites is “a dangerous position to be in” and looks forward to facing Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Inter have dominated Italian football for the past four years, but go into Sunday night's Derby della Madonnina behind their arch rivals.

“It is an extremely balanced League. If we had picked up six points against Brescia and Lecce rather than two, then we'd be ahead of Milan,” he told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

“So far we have struggled through quite a few injuries and perhaps we didn't play the way we wanted to, but as soon as those players return I am confident the team will fall back into place.

“I remain convinced of one thing: with the full squad at our disposal, we remain stronger than anyone.”

The Nerazzurri have won the last three consecutive meetings with Milan, but this term feels a little different, not least because Ibrahimovic is on the other side. The former Inter striker has notoriously had problems in the big games throughout his career.

“Ibra is my friend and he likes to call me Sniper. How do you stop Ibrahimovic? Sometimes he stops himself...

“What worries me about Milan is their rage and hunger to make up for previous games,” continued Stankovic.

“But right now our pride and desire to get out of this bleak moment can be worth more.”

Pippo Inzaghi and Walter Samuel are both out for the season after knee ligament injuries, while Alexandre Pato is sidelined for six weeks.

“It's a shame about Pippo, as he sets the example in terms of humility and professionalism. Pato is a big loss, too. Samuel is an extraordinary person and I told him not to forget he's the best. If we get three points, they will be for him.”